Golden Knights getting Marc Methot from Senators
The Vegas Golden Knights have reportedly selected defenseman Marc Methot from the Ottawa Senators in the expansion draft.
While the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft results won’t be announced until later on Wednesday night, leaks have started. Reportedly, the Vegas Golden Knights have selected defenseman Marc Methot from the Ottawa Senators. They were unable to protect him after Dion Phaneuf refused to waive his no movement clause.
Hearing that VGK have selected Marc Methot in the expansion draft... whether or not he gets flipped over the next few days...
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 21, 2017
It remains to be seen precisely how long Methot will remain on the initial roster. There will certainly be trades. If nothing else, the NHL’s maximum roster size is 23 players and they are selecting 30. So at least seven players chosen will not make the NHL roster, whether they get traded or get sent to the minors.
Methot’s an interesting case. Vegas surely has use for a veteran defenseman like him. They will be a fairly young team, so having a veteran around definitely has value. Methot has spent 11 seasons in the NHL, split between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Senators. While his career high in points is only 23, he has played at least 20 minutes a game for most of his career. Methot fell just short during the 2016-17 season, averaging 19:49 per game.
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On the other hand, maybe the Golden Knights can get something for him. Methot has two years remaining on his current deal with an annual cap hit of $4.9 million. His salary for each of the next two seasons is also taht same figure. Methot could be a dark horse candidate to be the Golden Knights’ first captain. Or he could be traded as soon as Thursday. Vegas definitely has options with Methot. Regardless of what they choose, he should provide them with value. The picks will officially be announced during the NHL Awards show on Wednesday evening.